Vintage Photos

19 Images of World War II Nurses

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A group of women in military uniforms and helmets watch as one woman flips another during a martial arts or self-defense demonstration outdoors.

World War II nurses played a role that was as demanding as it was essential. Working in military hospitals, field stations, and combat zones around the world, they cared for wounded soldiers under conditions that were often exhausting and deeply chaotic. Many worked long hours with limited supplies while dealing with the constant pressure and uncertainty that came with wartime medicine.

From quiet moments between patients to scenes inside crowded wartime hospitals, the photos capture both the hardship and humanity of their work. Together, they highlight the compassion that defined an often overlooked part of the war.

1. WWII Nurses from Germany

jainaausten

2. A nurse with an infantryman

A vintage black-and-white photo of a woman and a man in military uniforms sitting at a table with drinks, smiling, against a leopard print background.
offmer000

The classic forbidden relationship between a nurse and her patient.

3. U.S. Army nurses, 1940s

A group of women in military uniforms sit and lounge on the ground, smiling and relaxed, surrounded by parachutes and gear, beside a wooden building.
sisyphishhaditsoeasy

4. United States Army Flight Evacuation Nurses, 1943

Four women in military uniforms stand with rifles while a man in uniform kneels and points to bullet holes on a target sheet outdoors. They appear to be discussing shooting practice.
thedanceman

The nurse on the left was Reba Z Whittle, and she was the only American military female POW captured by the Germans in WWII.

5. Captain Della H. Raney

A woman in a military uniform sits at a desk holding paperwork, with the name "Capt. D.H. Raney, A.N.C." displayed at the bottom of the image. She looks toward the camera in an office setting.
userdeleted

Captain Della H. Raney was a part of the Army Nurse Corps and was the first black nurse to report for duty during WWII.

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6. Nurses from the U.S. Army Nurse Corps

A group of women in military uniforms smile and pose together outdoors beside a World War II-era army jeep, with trees and another army vehicle in the background.
rwwhite20

They’re posing in front of a Jeep at a field hospital in France.

7. Nurses at a martial arts demonstration, 1944

A soldier in uniform and helmet flips another soldier over his shoulder during a martial arts demonstration, while a group of women soldiers in uniform and helmets stand in the background, watching and smiling.
jacksmachiningreveng

They may never see a fight, but they should be ready for one.

8. WWII Nurse from America

A smiling woman in military uniform and helmet stands in front of a brick wall, carrying several pouches on her belt. The photo appears to be black and white and has a vintage feel.
gdbailey

This is what a full nursing uniform looked like in the field.

9. Friedrich Albert and Elinor Powell

A woman in a dark dress with a corsage stands beside a man in a tan jacket and striped shirt. They are indoors, with light streaming through windows behind them. The man looks at the woman; she faces the camera.
essoessex

Friedrich was a German POW who fell in love with an American nurse. They got married in 1947.

10. Flirting with the nurse who saved him, 1940s

A smiling nurse in a white uniform stands on wooden steps, holding hands with a cheerful man in a jacket. Several people sit and stand behind them, laughing and posing for the photo in front of a building.
arielmayer

She nursed him to health for 4 years.

11. Jane Kendeigh, 1944

A young woman with curly hair wearing a dark cap and a light jacket smiles at the camera. The background is blurred, showing indistinct figures and an outdoor setting.
dougf451

Jane Kendeigh was a U.S. Navy flight nurse.

12. U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 1944

A person in a vintage military uniform and helmet wears a gas mask with a long hose and a bag, standing against a cloudy sky background.
arkostw

They wore one of the most menacing outfits ever to save lives.

13. U.S. Navy sailors and their nurse, 1944

A black-and-white photo shows a smiling woman in a blouse, standing in front of three men in sailor uniforms. All are close together, appearing happy, with the photo held in place by red corner tabs.
pugattackisback

14. Lillian Keil

A woman in a military-style jacket and hat steps out of a vintage jeep while holding a handbag, smiling at the camera. The scene appears to be from the mid-20th century.
hawkeyeten

She was one of the most decorated women in the history of the U.S. military. She is believed to have never lost a single patient in her care on over 425 evacuation flights.

15. A nurse practicing at the firing range with an M-3 Grease Gun

A person in a dress, hat, and socks kneels outdoors amid scattered bullet casings, aiming a large firearm at a target. Industrial buildings and trees are visible in the background. The image is in black and white.
gagator43

The pile of shells at her feet is iconic.

16. WWII Japanese nurse holding a gas mask

A young woman in uniform with a white armband bearing a cross kneels while holding a gas mask. She has a satchel over her shoulder and looks at the camera, suggesting a wartime or medical setting.
eaglemaxie

Imagine going out of your way to save lives during a war and having to worry about chemical warfare as well as flying bullets.

17. U.S. Army surgeon, 1945

A soldier in uniform and helmet poses with one foot on a rock next to a sign reading "181st Station Hospital." Buildings and power lines are visible in the background. The photo is in black and white.
dewi526

This man operated on wounded GIs and German POWs.

18. A U.S. Cadet Nurse, 1940

A young woman in a vintage U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps uniform and cap, with dark wavy hair and dark lipstick, poses for a sepia-toned portrait. The uniform has insignias and a shoulder patch reading "Cadet Nurse.
userdeleted

19. WWII Nurse with the patients she saved, 1942

Five people in military uniforms stand outdoors, smiling and holding a worn Japanese flag with a large circular symbol in the center, surrounded by trees and natural light.
oak_island

There’s nothing more gratifying than spending time with the people whose lives you saved.

Want to see more content from WWII?

Take a look at 20 Colorized Photos Of Soldiers From WWII, or check out 20 Myths WWII Movies Told Us Were True. Finally, if you want to see the aircraft used in World War 2, check out 20 Photos Of Aircraft From WWII.

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Meet the Writer


Patrick Nichols

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He’s also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can’t stop talking about.

Whether it’s a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.



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